Biomedical Engineering Department Chair

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

148d

About The Position

The University of Wisconsin-Madison invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering (UWBME) in the College of Engineering. The department is a vibrant and growing unit, currently enrolling 695 undergraduates,107 graduate students across master’s and doctoral programs. The Chair will enter the College of Engineering at a transformative period of major investments designed to enhance the growth and development of the college and department. These investments include the Phillip A Levy Engineering Center, a $420 million investment in state-of-the-art facilities for learning and discovery. This 395,000-square-foot facility will be the centerpiece of our engineering campus and will feature shared laboratories that unite faculty, staff and students from all engineering disciplines around a common challenge. The Dean of Engineering has committed to expanding the Biomedical Engineering department with additional space renovations and startup costs for new faculty leading research. As Chair, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the department’s future—leading strategic growth, expanding academic programs, recruiting top-tier faculty, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate the department’s national and international profile through partnerships with industry leaders and to contribute to the broader growth of engineering at UW Madison. UW Biomedical Engineering is home to 25 core faculty members, five teaching faculty and seven administrative staff. In addition, the department includes 62 affiliated faculty from different colleges and schools on campus. The department operates with an annual state expenditure of $3.5 million and supports over $9 million in research expenditures. The Chair is responsible for leading all aspects of the department’s growth and functions. The role reports directly to the Dean of the College of Engineering. The selected candidate will be appointed as the Peter Tong Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. This endowed chair position will include investiture and discretionary resources. The initial term of appointment is five years, subject to annual review, and is eligible for reappointment.

Requirements

Demonstrated intellectual leadership and administrative skills in an academic/university environment or equivalent
Expresses a clear vision for the future for the department
Established record of professional activities and leadership in professional organizations
Have credentials commensurate with appointment as full professor with tenure in the department.
Doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or closely related physical or biological sciences

Responsibilities

Departmental Leadership: Promote a vision and mission for the department consistent with current and future needs within the COE and UW-Madison
Manage the administrative, financial, and space components of the department
Enhance the national and international recognition of the department
Promote and support high-impact research initiatives
Enhance current development efforts by engaging alumni and external partners
Be dedicated to the instructional mission of the department, college and university
Faculty & Staff Oversight, Recruitment, and Development: Support and promote the teaching, research, and service activities of the department’s faculty members
Identify areas of current and future faculty needs for the department’s research and teaching missions.
Lead faculty recruitment efforts in conjunction with departmental faculty
Mentor and support junior and senior faculty in their professional growth
College Leadership Serve on the Dean’s Leadership Council with other department Chairs and Associate Deans